LA 2008: 2010 Mustang officially unveiled LIVE

The doors have yet to open to the LA Auto Show, but that doesn't mean the unveilings haven't started. Last night Ford rented out a hangar at the Santa Monica airport and invited dozens of Mustang club members to come out for the 2010 Mustang's official introduction. For those of us that didn't get a peek at the car earlier in Detroit, this was our first time seeing the car in person. The event started out with a car show featuring all 45 years of the Mustang. Ford even arranged to have a Mustang from every year since 1964 in attendance. Each was lined up in order, starting with a stunning 1964 1/2 red convertible and ending with a 2009 Mustang GT. Perhaps our favorite part was walking behind the early cars to see how the Mustang logo had evolved over the years. Owners also brought out nearly every type of Mustang, from Saleen to Roush to Shelby. Seeing all the beautiful cars and the loyal owners, it's no wonder that the Mustang has had such success over the years.

After the car show it was time to head inside for the unveiling. While a few of us have already seen the car in person and we've all seen the photos, there was still excitement for what would happen next. Ford had several historically-significant Mustang racecars on display, from Parnelli Jones' 1970 Trans-Am car to John Force's Mustang funny car. Fittingly, many of the drivers were in attendance as well, and greeted the crowds one by one. Carroll Shelby arrived last, with the crowd erupting in cheers.

Read on for more from last night's unveiling and check out plenty of high-res pictures in the galleries below and full details on the 2010 Ford Mustang are in the press release after the jump.

It was finally time for the 2010 Mustang to make its appearance, and it arrived with screetching tires and burning rubber. The new 2010 Ford Racing / Falken Tire Drift Mustang slid onto the scene with driver Vaughn Gitten Jr. behind the wheel. We don't know many details about the car, except that it features a supercharged Ford Racing crate motor and a completely stripped interior. Next up, the 2010 Mustang lineup arrived, including the V6, GT, and even one equipped with the Ford Racing supercharger system. Because of the mechanical similarities to the previous generation, the 2010 Mustang already has a built in aftermarket. Ford Racing already has 32 accessories ready for the car, and we also talked with Roush at the event who should have plenty of products ready by the time the car arrives in dealerships.

After the cars were introduced, we finally got the chance to get up close and personal. We're big fans of the interior, especially the seats, the new speaker covers that replace the crappy plastic ones, and the door liner. The dash material is definitely better than in the previous car, and the center console has a handsome look. As for the exterior, we love the new front end and the flowing lines of the rear fender, although we think the new rear end will take some getting used to. We know many Mustang owners will be disappointed by "only 315" horsepower, especially with fresh competition from the Camaro, but we have a feeling that the Mustang team will have an answer soon. Sooner than you might think, actually - we were informed that Ford will be bringing something exciting to Detroit in just a few months. Let's just hope Ford isn't as much of a tease this time.

LOS ANGELES, Nov. 18, 2008 – Muscle goes modern for 2010 as the Ford Mustang – America's favorite muscle car for 45 years straight – hits the streets with a new exterior design; new world-class interior featuring well-crafted materials and updated technology; and a V-8 with even more horsepower and an even throatier signature Mustang exhaust sound.

Combine those elements with the new Mustang's improved handling characteristics, more standard safety and technology features and its already-strong safety and quality performance and reputation, and it's easy to see how the muscle car known around the world delivers on the promise of fast, fun and affordable performance for a whole new era.

"More than 9 million customers have made Mustang one of the world's most beloved automotive and cultural icons," said Mark Fields, Ford's president of The Americas. "Making sure this modern legend lives up to their expectations has been a driving force for the team, which went to great lengths – gathering customer input everywhere from race tracks to Main Streets in cities throughout the U.S. – working to create the best Mustang ever."

For 2010, the team delivered. "The new Mustang marks new levels of both power and refinement," said Paul Randle, Mustang chief engineer. "We've designed and engineered this to be the next classic Mustang that everyone talks about for years and years."

In true Mustang tradition, there is a "steed for every need." At launch, customers can choose from a V-6 or V-8 with their choice of coupe, convertible or innovative glass roof, plus several new options and features delivering the opportunity for customers to personalize their cleaner, meaner-looking Mustangs.

"The best Mustangs have always been the ones that connect young America with the spirit of the times – and the 2010 does exactly that," said J Mays, Ford's group vice president of Design. "The new Mustang is close to the magnetic center of the original, fully loaded with the swagger you'd expect, but with modern refinement and attention to detail like you've never seen in a muscle car."

It starts with the more aggressive grille, punctuated with the first new Mustang emblem since the car's introduction in 1964. Both the V-6 and GT have brand-new sculptured front-end designs unique to each model. The headlamps and turn indicators, now integrated into one unit, are modern interpretations inspired by the 1970 Mustang. On the V-6, the fog lamps are located on the lower fascia, while on the GT, the fog lamps are again located in the upper grille – but are smaller than the outgoing model, similar to the original lamps of the 1967-68 models that inspired them.

"We understand Mustang's heritage and iconic status it has in the world and as a symbol of Americana," said Peter Horbury, executive director of Design, The Americas. "We wanted to create a face that is more muscular but unquestionably, unequivocally Mustang and carry that spirit through to the entire car."

The exterior sheet metal, except for the fast-back roofline, is all new for 2010. At the front, the new headlamps, lower fascias, fenders and grille are capped by a powerdome hood that adds to the muscular appearance while functionally allowing for enhanced air cooling of the engine.
Mustang's washer-fluid nozzles are tucked into the cowl, while the antenna has been moved to the rear, both of which create a cleaner appearance while also reducing wind noise.

Front rear fenders feature taut, sculptured wheel flares, like a tight skin stretched over the wheels. A classic spear character line on the doors leads to a modern indication of "hip" rear fenders. "It helps give the car aggressive, forward direction, like it's ready to jump," said Doug Gaffka, Mustang chief designer.

The rear end design features aggressively angled rear corners, a sculptured decklid and prominent rear badge. A rear-view camera incorporated into the spoiler is available on some models.

A notable new tail lamp design features three LED bulbs firing sequentially from the inside for turn indication. The sequential bulbs were a distinct Mustang feature in the '60s and comeback to the 2010 for the first time since then. Locating the reverse lamps vertically creates a modern version of the Ford classic three-lens taillamp.

The best of new, heritage
Cleverly combining modern technology with Mustang heritage is a signature of the 2010 model, in terms of both design and engineering.

"All of the Bullitt elements are the base foundation of the GT," said Randle, noting engine and chassis improvements. "We also applied some improvements gained from Mustang racing. We're learning constantly and always giving that to the customer on the base car."

The wheel-and-tire combinations are 1 inch bigger across the board, ranging from 17 to 19 inches, which helps improve handling and braking. The shocks have been retuned on all models as well.

"We adjusted the springs, stabilizer bars and shocks to better balance the ride, steering and handling for all models, which results in a more engaging driving experience," adds Mustang Vehicle Engineering manager Tom Barnes. "The 2010 Mustangs feel more controlled for steering and handling, yet retain a good ride balance."

The 2010 Mustang 4.6-liter V-8 benefits from innovations from the popular Bullitt model. Power has increased to 315 horsepower.

"It runs on regular gasoline, but if you put in premium it has adaptive calibration that will give you even better mid-range torque," Barnes said, adding that Easy Fuel™, Ford's innovative capless fuel system, is standard on all models.

"It's an upgrade to the most-robust, most-accessorized engine in the marketplace today," Randle added. "No one has the reliability, no one has the upgraded options. This is a fantastic engine, proven on the race track, the drag strip and on the highway."

AdvanceTrac™ Electronic Stability Control (ESC) is now standard and complements Mustang's all-speed traction control and anti-lock braking system (ABS).

"It gives a driver a little more confidence that in any type of condition the car will maintain what they want it to do," Barnes said. "The 2010 Mustang improves ride quality and maintains world-class steering and handling."

In addition to all of the design and driving dynamics improvements, the 2010 Ford Mustang is engineered to maintain its top government safety ratings. Standard safety equipment includes: dual stage front driver and passenger air bags; front seat-mounted side air bags; and, Ford's Personal Safety System.

Interior leads in design, materials, content and comfort
Like the exterior, the interior design is all new with world-class materials and execution. The powerful new one-piece instrument panel design is crafted in seamless soft-touch TPO (Thermoplastic Olefin) skin fully encompassing available genuine aluminum-finish panels. Mustang's chromed-ringed gauges and dual-vane air register vents are precisely crafted and positioned.

"That's the difference between good enough and exceptional," said Gary Morales, Interior Design manager. "We wouldn't accept anything less than leadership design and world-class craftsmanship."

The instrument panel and console flow as one shape, another strong connection to Mustang heritage. The seats and arm rests have softer materials with high-quality stitching.

The new center stack design adds the latest version of Ford SYNC™, with new features 911 Assist and Vehicle Health Report. Drivers also can customize their ambient and instrument lighting through the My Color™ system, which features 125 color options.

"The centerstack is quite progressive. The electronic finish panel containing the audio and climate control buttons and knobs are integrated into the finish panel," said Kim Zielinski, Mustang Instrument Panel engineer, 2010 Mustang. "I believe the customers will really like the new look."

In addition to the improvements in technology and comfort, drivers will notice a quieter ride. "It's much more vault-like," Barnes said. "But we maintained the signature Mustang sound."

The upgraded instrument panel along with new sound deadeners added to select areas helped improve interior quietness, especially at high speeds or on rough roads. All the better to hear that famous Mustang roar.

With a completely redone exterior that echoes the classic Mustang designs of the past, an interior featuring world-class materials, numerous technology upgrades and an improved driving experience, the 2010 Mustang is poised to become the latest classic in the proud line of Ford's iconic American muscle car.

"The 2010 Mustang is drop-dead gorgeous," Randle said. "This car marks the best efforts of 45 years of passion and enthusiasm among the best designers, engineers and manufacturing experts in the business, and we can't wait for everyone to see it and start driving it."

The 2010 Mustang will be built at the Auto Alliance International Plant in Flat Rock, Mich.

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Anonymous

6 Years Ago

I am also noticing that the impression the car makes also depends on which photo and viewing angle you are looking at.

I don't really like any of them (though it was probably the best they could do), it's either a far-off view, or a too-up-close exaggerated angle of view. From the far view the car looks a lot closer to the previous Mustang, the close-ups tend to exaggerate the new design cues.

I will reserve judgement until I see one in person. I am hopeful though, plus the interior looks better.

Anonymous

6 Years Ago

most of you are getting the wrong idea of what a mustang is...yes the camaro/challenger can be had with higher hp out the factory, but when it comes down to a mustang, you pretty much are buying a starter kit and the rest its up to you to determine how extreme you want to go with your mustang. thats why theres 101 versions of it. and thats a great thing.

Anonymous

6 Years Ago

I like how ford is implementing a design strategy the same as Porsche uses, use the old design again. The only part of the mustang I like is the fact that there are a lot of choices. Hope the Camaro team figures that out.

Anonymous

6 Years Ago

UMMMM...

ITS LOOKS THE DAME SAME...like seriously..what the MAJOR difference?? NOTHING. Look and look away fast...it looks the damn same...i had to look hard at the drift car to tell if it was the new stang or older model. Nothing has change other then shaper lines and new wheels....they are actting like its a brand new car....jesus.

Anonymous

6 Years Ago

JDM- No one said it was a new car. With that said, it has all new fenders, quarters, front and rear fascias, hood, trunk, headlights, grill, wheels. Wait until the Detroit auto show and they will probably announce the return of the 5.0 as well. On the interior, everything is different except the backseat. If you couldnt see that, then you are ignorant. Or just a hater.

Anonymous

The Stang refresh has:"The exterior sheet metal, except for the fast-back roofline, is all new for 2010.""We adjusted the springs, stabilizer bars and shocks to better balance the ride, steering and handling for all models""Like the exterior, the interior design is all new with world-class materials and execution.""4.6-liter V-8 benefits from innovations..."

Everything changed but the hard points. This is no refreshed RX8.... Ford has done an amazing job doing a near total re-make for a just a mid-cycle refresh.

Anonymous

Anonymous

6 Years Ago

Also the New camry was NOT a refresh.

Its was a whole new desgin caryying nothing over from the previous model.

The New Camry looks ALOT different from the 06 model....ALOT

this stang....not that much different from the older model.....i can tell from a mile the new camry and the old...this stang..i would have some truoble to identify and it would have to be up close to say.

Anonymous

6 Years Ago

Plus the camry was NOT a refresh.

It was a completely new car.

How is this a new car for the 08 stang? design wise i dont see it. I cant tell the older camry vs the new camry from a mile...if i was to see the new stang from a mile...it would look just like the current/previous model. I would have to wait for it to get up close to see things like......new healight and taillights...what a waste